A SHOPLIFTER with a string of previous convictions was fined £100 for stealing from a Llandudno store – and wished the bench a happy Christmas after they decided he could walk free from court.

Gareth Eilir Owen Owen, 33, of Bryn Eglwys, Rhos on Sea, was also ordered to pay the £15 victims’ surcharge.

Owen admitted stealing goods worth £11 from Home Bargains including a doll on Monday.

He was then told to serve a day in custody instead because he couldn’t pay the fine immediately, and the sentence was deemed served because of the time he had spent in a police cell. That outcome clearly suited Owen as he left the court wishing the female magistrate a Merry Christmas.

Prosecutor Karen Mullin said he had “a very extensive record of previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Graham Parry said the doll was a present for a friend.